U.S. patent application number 16/295959 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-10 for embedded in-vehicle platform for providing immersive user experiences.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Oleg Gusikhin, Harald C. Martinez, Ayush Shah, Jeffrey Yeung.
Application Number | 20200283005 16/295959 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000003970851 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200283005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shah; Ayush ; et
al. |
September 10, 2020 |
EMBEDDED IN-VEHICLE PLATFORM FOR PROVIDING IMMERSIVE USER
EXPERIENCES
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for an embedded in-vehicle
platform that provides immersive user experiences. An example
method includes obtaining, by a vehicle controller of a vehicle, a
preference profile for a user; loading the preference profile by
the vehicle controller; determining a shopping experience of the
user occurring on a vehicle shopping platform within the vehicle;
determining an ambience profile of a merchant identified in the
shopping experience; and controlling, by the vehicle controller, an
in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle based on the ambience
profile and the preference profile.
Inventors: |
Shah; Ayush; (Belleville,
MI) ; Yeung; Jeffrey; (Canton, MI) ; Martinez;
Harald C.; (Northville, MI) ; Gusikhin; Oleg;
(Commerce Township, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
1000003970851 |
Appl. No.: |
16/295959 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60W 2540/22 20130101;
A61B 2503/12 20130101; A61M 2021/0044 20130101; A61M 21/02
20130101; B60W 50/0098 20130101; B60W 50/14 20130101; A61B 5/6893
20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; B60W 2710/30 20130101; A61B
5/02438 20130101; B60Q 3/80 20170201; A61M 2021/0027 20130101; B60H
1/00964 20130101; A61B 5/165 20130101; A61M 2021/0016 20130101;
B60H 3/0035 20130101; A61B 5/0205 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60W 50/00 20060101
B60W050/00; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06; B60H 3/00 20060101
B60H003/00; B60Q 3/80 20060101 B60Q003/80; B60W 50/14 20060101
B60W050/14; B60H 1/00 20060101 B60H001/00; A61B 5/0205 20060101
A61B005/0205; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61M 21/02 20060101
A61M021/02 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: obtaining, by a vehicle controller of a
vehicle, a preference profile for a user; loading the preference
profile by the vehicle controller; determining a shopping
experience of the user occurring on a vehicle shopping platform
within the vehicle; determining an ambience profile of a merchant
identified in the shopping experience; and controlling, by the
vehicle controller, an in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle based
on the ambience profile and the preference profile.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling, by the
vehicle controller, the in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle
based on the ambience profile and the preference profile further
comprises activating a scent dispensing device that comprises
scents.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling, by the
vehicle controller, the in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle
based on the ambience profile and the preference profile further
comprises controlling an entertainment or infotainment system of
the vehicle to output audio content to the user.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling, by the
vehicle controller, the in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle
based on the ambience profile and the preference profile further
comprises selectively changing at least one of a luminance or a hue
of one or more lighting elements within an interior of the
vehicle.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising executing a
voice assist protocol to guide the user during the shopping
experience, the voice assist protocol being a part of the ambience
profile.
6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: during the
shopping experience, obtaining biometric feedback from the user
from one or more biometric sensors in a seat of the vehicle;
determining at least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a comfort
level for the user based on the biometric feedback; and updating
the user profile with the mood, the heart rate, or the comfort
level for the user.
7. A vehicle, comprising: a micro-environment assembly configured
to selectively adjust an ambience within a vehicle by providing any
combination of one or more of visual, auditory, or olfactory
output; and a vehicle controller comprising a processor and a
memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions
stored in the memory to: obtain a preference profile for a user;
load the preference profile by the vehicle controller; determine a
shopping experience of the user occurring on a vehicle shopping
platform within the vehicle; determine an ambience profile of a
merchant identified in the shopping experience; and control the
micro-environment assembly to selectively adjust the ambience
within the vehicle based on the ambience profile and the preference
profile to provide the user with an immersive experience.
8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the micro-environment
assembly comprises a scent dispenser that outputs scented compounds
in accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
9. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle controller
is further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory
to cause an entertainment or infotainment system of the vehicle to
output audio content to the user in accordance with at least one of
the ambience profile or the preference profile.
10. The vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising one or
more lighting elements within an interior of the vehicle, wherein
the vehicle controller is further configured to execute
instructions stored in the memory to selectively change at least
one of a luminance or a hue of the one or more lighting elements in
accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
11. The vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a voice
command system, wherein the vehicle controller is further
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
implement a voice assist protocol on the voice command system to
guide the user during the shopping experience.
12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the voice assist
protocol is a part of the ambience profile, the voice assist
protocol comprising an interactive chat feature that provides
question and answer engagement with the user.
13. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle
controller is further configured to execute instructions stored in
the memory to cause a climate control system of the vehicle to
increase or decrease temperature or airspeed within the
vehicle.
14. The vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising one or
more biometric sensors within a seat of the vehicle, wherein the
vehicle controller is further configured to execute instructions
stored in the memory to: during the shopping experience, obtain
biometric feedback from the user from the one or more biometric
sensors; determine at least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a
comfort level for the user based on the biometric feedback; and
update the user profile with the mood, the heart rate, or the
comfort level for the user.
15. A system, comprising: a service provider that: generates and
maintains preference profiles of users; and obtains ambience
profiles from third-party entities; and a vehicle comprising: a
micro-environment assembly configured to selectively adjust an
ambience within a vehicle by providing any combination of one or
more of visual, auditory, or olfactory output; and a vehicle
controller comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: obtain
a preference profile for a user from the service provider; load the
preference profile by the vehicle controller; determine a shopping
experience of the user occurring on a vehicle shopping platform
within the vehicle; determine an ambience profile of a merchant
identified in the shopping experience; load the ambience profile by
the vehicle controller; and control the micro-environment assembly
to selectively adjust the ambience within the vehicle based on the
ambience profile and the preference profile.
16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising one or
more biometric sensors within a seat of the vehicle, wherein the
vehicle controller is further configured to execute instructions
stored in the memory to: during the shopping experience, obtain
biometric feedback from the user from the one or more biometric
sensors; determine at least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a
comfort level for the user based on the biometric feedback; and
update the user profile with the mood, the heart rate, or the
comfort level for the user.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the micro-environment
assembly comprises a scent dispenser that outputs scented compounds
in accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
18. The system according to claim 15, wherein the vehicle
controller is further configured to execute instructions stored in
the memory to cause an entertainment or infotainment system of the
vehicle to output audio content to the user in accordance with at
least one of the ambience profile or the preference profile.
19. The system according to claim 15, further comprising one or
more lighting elements within an interior of the vehicle, wherein
the vehicle controller is further configured to execute
instructions stored in the memory to selectively change at least
one of a luminance or a hue of the one or more lighting elements in
accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
20. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a voice
command system, wherein the vehicle controller is further
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
implement a voice assist protocol on the voice command system to
guide the user during the shopping experience.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that
provide a multi-sensory, in-vehicle experience. Some embodiments
include devices or apparatuses embedded or integrated into vehicles
that provide enhanced and immersive user experiences.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Currently, in-vehicle commercial experiences are limited to
online shopping through mobile devices or human machine interfaces.
For example, a user can purchase services or goods over his/her
mobile device or through laptop devices. Concurrently, the use of
autonomous or automated vehicles (AVs), as well as ride-sharing or
ride-hailing services is increasing steadily. During trips,
passengers can listen to their favorite music or watch movies, but
other in-vehicle activities are difficult. Moreover, it is
difficult within an in-vehicle experience to encourage passengers
to purchase items or services.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may
indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may
utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in
the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be
present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this
disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural
terminology may be used interchangeably.
[0004] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative architecture in which
techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods
disclosed herein may be implemented.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of the present disclosure
that is generally directed to an example use case where aspects of
the present disclosure are implemented.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another example method of the
present disclosure related to using biometric feedback to improve
preference and/or ambience profiles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Overview
[0009] In some embodiments, systems and methods disclosed herein
include embedded in-vehicle platforms for providing immersive user
experiences. For example, a vehicle such as an AV or a
non-autonomous vehicle can be configured to provide an immersive
experience for a rider within the vehicle. In general, the vehicle
can be configured to provide multi-sensory experiences involving
combinations of visual, auditory, and olfactory elements.
[0010] Generally, the present disclosure allows for the use of
odor, scent, and other vehicle ambience to increase passengers'
confidence for performing shopping tasks. It will be understood
that ambient odor acts as a moderating factor while a consumer is
shopping. Such an ambient odor positively affects the consumer to
entice the individual into buying a product or service.
[0011] Ambient scent can be used to control human behavior, mood,
and emotions. Buying a specific item can depend upon the atmosphere
or ambient environment near the consumer during a shopping
experience. Positive environments can also be created by using
ambient noise, soft music, ambient scent, and voice assist--just to
name a few. In one example use case, a user is shopping for shoes
in-vehicle during a ride-sharing trip. The user could be shopping
in the vehicle using a vehicle tablet/computer to search for the
retailer and item. Once the user selects a specific retailer, the
vehicle can set an ambient environment to make the passenger feel
as if he/she is shopping in a store. Further, ambient aromas can
trigger the passenger to buy a specific item. In some embodiments,
the ambient aroma dispensed can be different for each person. In
this solution, the systems and methods can be configured to gather
data about the user and store the same in a user profile (e.g.,
preference profile). Other ambient elements can also be tailored to
known user preferences. This data can be used as input into a
machine learning model or service that can be used to learn
optimized ambient setting(s)/configuration(s) for each user and
user profile.
[0012] According to some embodiments, a vehicle is provided with a
micro-environment assembly that comprises a number of
sub-assemblies or components that collectively provide the visual,
auditory, and olfactory elements. In some embodiments, the
micro-environment assembly is controlled using either or both of a
preference profile and an ambience profile. Generally, a preference
profile is a collection of data including subjective preferences or
data regarding a user. This data can include, for example,
demographic data of the user, calendar entries, contacts,
purchasing and browsing histories, or more specific preference data
gathered from user interactions with the vehicle such as climate
control settings. In some embodiments, the data can include user
preferences gathered from a user's interaction with a vehicle
shopping platform within the vehicle. The vehicle shopping platform
could include any device within the vehicle that the user utilizes
to browse the Internet, or an application.
[0013] According to some embodiments, the vehicle can include
various biometric sensors that capture biometric feedback of the
user. This biometric feedback can be used to infer or determine
mood, heart rate, or comfort level of the user. The biometric data
is useful when correlated to a shopping experience of a user when
inside the vehicle. Merchants can gather valuable information about
users and their respective responses to ambient conditions and/or
the shopping experience.
[0014] Advantageously, the systems and methods disclosed herein can
be used to enhance an in-vehicle user shopping experience.
Retailers or merchants can increase brand recognition through
ambience profiling, allowing for individualized selections of
aroma, lights, climate control, and the like. In some embodiments,
the merchants can use the voice command system of a vehicle to
engage in chats with a user and create a positive shopping
environment. These and other aspects and advantages of the present
disclosure are described in greater detail herein with reference to
the collective drawings.
[0015] Illustrative Architecture
[0016] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative
architecture 100 in which techniques and structures of the present
disclosure may be implemented. The illustrative architecture 100
may include a service provider 102 comprising service provider
computers, a vehicle 104, an ambience service 106 comprising
ambience service computers, and a network 108. The network 108 may
include any one or a combination of multiple different types of
networks, such as cable networks, the Internet, wireless networks,
and other private and/or public networks. In some instances, the
network 108 may include cellular, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi direct.
[0017] According to some embodiments, the service provider 102 is
configured to maintain preference profiles and accounts for users
who ride in vehicles configured to provide the immersive shopping
experiences of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the
service provider 102 comprises a preference assimilation service
110 comprising preference assimilation service computers that
implements aspects of machine learning in order to create
preference models for users based on user behaviors and feedback,
as will be discussed in greater detail infra. The service provider
102 can be implemented in a cloud in some embodiments.
[0018] The service provider 102 can also be configured to retrieve
ambience profiles from the ambience service 106 and deliver the
same to the vehicle 104. Broadly, an ambience profile includes a
collection of parameters or configurations that can be implemented
at the vehicle level to alter an ambience within the vehicle 104.
The ambience profile allows a merchant to tailor the ambience
within a vehicle to produce a desired user experience. In some
embodiments, the desired user experience is one that entices the
user into purchasing a good or service. For example, if the user is
shopping for leather goods, the ambience profile could indicate
that a leather scent should be dispensed within the vehicle. Other
ambience settings could be included in the ambience profile such as
dimmed lights and a temperature setting of a specific degree. It
will be understood that this is merely an example of an ambience
profile and that other parameters or configurations can be
used.
[0019] In sum, the service provider 102 can provide the vehicle 104
both preference and ambience profiles. When used in combination,
the preference and ambience profiles can result in the creation of
a unique experience where the ambience within the vehicle is
tailored to the preferences of the user while still enhancing the
shopping experience of the user. The service provider 102 is also
configured to collect user feedback and track user behaviors during
an in-vehicle shopping experience in order to improve the
preference and/or ambience profiles.
[0020] The vehicle 104 generally comprises a vehicle controller 112
and a micro-environment assembly 114. Generally described, the
vehicle controller 112 comprises a processor 116 and a memory 118.
The memory 118 stores instructions that can be executed by the
processor 116 to perform various functions or operations disclosed
herein. In general, the processor 116 can execute the instructions
stored in the memory 118 to provide immersive shopping experiences
in accordance with the present disclosure. This may occur through
the loading and execution of personal and/or ambience profiles by
the vehicle controller 112 to control the operations of the
micro-environment assembly 114 (and constituent parts thereof) to
create a customized ambience or environment within the vehicle 104.
The vehicle controller 112 can also comprise a communications
interface 120 that allows the vehicle controller 112 to communicate
with the service provider 102 over the network 108. Also, the
vehicle controller 112 can communicate with a mobile device or
wearable 122 of a user within the vehicle. This allows the vehicle
controller 112 to monitor shopping experiences on the mobile device
or wearable 122 of the user, if such permissions are granted by the
user. In some embodiments, the mobile device or wearable 122 can
utilize a hotspot or other similar wireless connection or
functionality provided through the vehicle controller 112 to access
the Internet. The vehicle controller 112 can monitor network usage
of this wireless connection. In one embodiment, the monitoring can
include identifying Internet Protocol (IP) or domain names accessed
by a browser on the mobile device or wearable 122. This data allows
the vehicle controller 112 (or in some instances the service
provider 102) to determine a merchant associated with a shopping
experience of the user. The service provider 102 can retrieve an
ambience profile for that specific merchant from the ambience
service 106.
[0021] In some embodiments, the service provider 102 can also
obtain a preference profile for the user and provide this
preference profile along with the ambience profile to the vehicle
controller 112. Once received, the vehicle controller 112 can load
the ambience profile and/or the preference profile for the user. As
noted above, the ambience profile and/or the preference profile are
applied to create a unique and immersive shopping experience for
the user.
[0022] In general, the micro-environment assembly 114 can include
any one or more of an entertainment or infotainment system 124, one
or more lighting elements 126, a voice command system 128, a
climate control system 130, a scent dispenser 132, and one or more
biometric sensors 134. Each of these subsystems is discussed in
greater detail in the following paragraphs.
[0023] The entertainment or infotainment system 124 is configured
to provide, for example, visual and/or auditory output for the user
such as music, videos, or other media. In accordance with the
present disclosure, the ambience profile could include music or
other media that is selected by a merchant. In one example, if the
merchant has a jingle or other media, the merchant can specify this
media in the ambience profile. Another example could include a song
for a particular product or service campaign. The ambience profile
can also specify that music or media could also be selected based
on the preference profile.
[0024] The one or more lighting elements 126 include any lighting
devices that are located within the cabin of the vehicle 104. Some
of these lighting elements 126 have selectable luminance and/or
hue. Thus, the vehicle controller 112 can selectively alter or
change the luminance and/or hue of the one or more lights in
accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile. In one example use case, the merchant can
specify in an ambience profile that the lights in the cabin of the
vehicle should be dimmed. This could be advantageous when the
ambience profile specifies that a video is played on a display of
the entertainment or infotainment system 124. A hue of the one or
more lighting elements 126 could be changed to match a color
associated with an advertising campaign or in accordance with a
color scheme that is associated with the merchant.
[0025] The voice command system 128 can include any automated voice
controlled system that allows a user to interact with the vehicle
controller 112 using words, phrases, or natural language input. For
example, the voice command system 128 can be used to instruct a
user in utilizing the features of the vehicle 104. This voice
command system 128 can be adapted through the ambience profile to
guide users in their shopping experience. For example, the ambience
profile includes a chatbot or other similar functionality that
engages in small talk with the user or utilizes a script in order
to walk the user through completing a purchase. This script is
generally referred to as a voice assist protocol. The merchant can
configure how the voice assist protocol will engage with a customer
within the ambience profile. In some embodiments, this
customization of the voice assist protocol is performed based on
the preference profile for the user.
[0026] According to some embodiments, the vehicle 104 comprises
seat sensors and/or components 138 are integrated into one or more
of the seats of the vehicle 104. Example seat sensors could include
temperature or heartrate sensors that gather biometric data from a
user in an enable seat. The components of the seat could include
any one or more of a heating, cooling, or other similar ventilation
assembly, a massage or vibration assembly, a positioning assembly
that allows for selective positioning of seat sections.
[0027] The climate control system 130 allows a user to select a
temperature within the vehicle 104 as well as control other aspects
of climate such as seat heating or cooling. In some embodiments,
the climate control system 130 can be controlled through use of the
ambience profile and/or the preference profile to increase or
decrease temperature or airspeed within the vehicle. In one example
use case, the merchant provides vacation services, and the ambience
profile includes instructions that cause the entertainment or
infotainment system 124 to play a video of a beach scene while the
climate control system 130 causes the temperature within the
vehicle to be set at 82 degrees, and an airspeed is set to high to
mimic a beach environment. The vehicle controller 112 can also
cause the climate control system 130 to activate heaters in the
seat where the user is located using the seat sensors and/or
components 138. As discussed below, the ambience profile can also
include instructions that cause a scent dispenser within the
vehicle to dispense a tropical scent. These facets collectively
create an immersive experience for users, enticing them into
purchasing a vacation.
[0028] As noted above, the scent dispenser 132 includes a device
that is configured to output scents that are associated with an
ambience profile. The scent can be specified in the ambience
profile or could include a scent favored by the user, as
established in the preference profile for the user. These various
subsystems of the micro-environment assembly 114 can be controlled
to function collectively or individually to provide an immersive
experience to a user during a shopping experience. To be sure, this
immersive experience can be triggered when the user has engaged in
a shopping experience on his/her mobile device or wearable 122.
Alternatively, the user can be enticed into engaging in a shopping
experience by first activating an ambience profile and then
subsequently fine tuning the experience based on the preference
profile.
[0029] In one example embodiment, the service provider 102 can
provide a preference profile to the vehicle controller 112 when a
user books a ride-share trip. This embodiment assumes that the
vehicle 104 is used for providing ride-sharing services. The
preference indicates that the user typically orders food from a
particular merchant for dinner on this particular day of the week.
To entice the user to order food from the merchant, the service
provider 102 obtains an ambience profile for the merchant and
provides the same to the vehicle controller 112. The vehicle
controller 112 can activate the scent dispenser 132 of the
micro-environment assembly 114 to output scents that are associated
with food frequently ordered by the user from the merchant. If the
user completes a transaction and orders food from the merchant, the
service provider 102 can coordinate delivery of the food to a
destination or home address indicated in the ride request. Again,
this is merely an example of a use case of the present disclosure
and is not intended to be limiting.
[0030] During an immersive experience, the vehicle controller 112
can be configured to track user feedback or behaviors. That is,
when the vehicle controller 112 is executing the ambience profile
and/or the preference profile, the vehicle controller 112 can track
user feedback or behaviors. This may include tracking how the user
responds to any of the sensory stimuli presented. For example, if
the user activates the windows after a scent is dispensed, the
service provider 102 can track this action and infer that the user
did not like the scent. The vehicle controller 112 can also track
the browser activity of the user on his/her mobile device or
wearable 122. For example, if the user clicked out of a website or
away from a product featured in a shopping experience, the service
provider 102 can infer that the user has no interest in the
product. In addition, the vehicle controller 112 can be configured
to track the pickup and drop off locations of the user. For
example, based on the user preferences and pickup and drop-off
locations of the user, the service provider 102 may instruct the
vehicle controller 112 may present the user with targeted
advertisements. In one example embodiment, the user may be heading
to a Nike outlet at their drop-off location. The vehicle controller
112 can present the user with Nike advertisements and/or also get
goods ready at the Nike store that correspond to the user's
preferences. Furthermore, advertisements (scent, lights in vehicle)
can also be used to give user a discount on their ride. Again, this
would be based on the user preferences (e.g., allergic to leather
smell, etc.).
[0031] In addition to tracking user behaviors, the vehicle
controller 112 can also activate the one or more biometric sensors
134. In some embodiments, the one or more biometric sensors 134 are
associated with a seat of the vehicle (specifically the seat
sensors and/or components 138). The one or more biometric sensors
134 can collect biometric data such as heart rate, pulse, body
temperature, or other similar biometric data. The vehicle
controller 112 can provide this biometric data to the service
provider 102. The service provider 102 can be configured to
determine at least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a comfort level
for the user based on the biometric feedback. For example, if the
user's pulse elevates during an immersive experience, it can be
inferred that the user is upset or excited. This biometric feedback
can be tracked and associated with an ambience profile that was
used to create the immersive experience. The service provider 102
can update the preference profile for the user based on any of the
tracked data or feedback that was obtained by the vehicle
controller 112. This can be facilitated using the preference
assimilation service 110 of the service provider 102 described
above. The feedback can also be provided to the merchant by the
service provider 102. The merchant can use this feedback to improve
its ambience profiles.
[0032] In some embodiments, rather than tracking operations
performed on the mobile device or wearable 122, the vehicle 104 can
comprise a vehicle shopping platform 136. The vehicle shopping
platform 136 is generally described as a human machine interface
such as a kiosk or display terminal. The vehicle shopping platform
136 is accessible to riders within the vehicle 104 and provides
in-vehicle shopping experiences in combination with the
micro-environment assembly 114.
[0033] According to some embodiments, the vehicle 104 can also
comprise an IoT device interface 140 that can be configured to
allow other Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices to interface with the
platform providing the in-vehicle shopping experience. The IoT
device interface 140 could include, for example, a USB port that
allows a third-party IoT device (IoT Device 142) to be connected to
the micro-environment assembly 114. The type of interface or
interfaces included in the IoT device interface 140 may vary
depending upon the IoT devices that may be used within the
micro-environment assembly 114. In one embodiment, merchants can
distribute their own IoT devices, such as scent dispensers that are
configured to dispense scents that are uniquely configured for use
with the ambiance profiles offered by the merchant. The IoT device
142 would have a corresponding or complementary interface that
allows the IoT device 142 to mate with the IoT device interface
140. While a scent dispenser has been described as a potential
example IoT device 142, other IoT devices can also be utilized to
provide any one or combination of sensory output such as audio,
visual, tactile, and the like.
[0034] Illustrative Methods and Operations
[0035] The following descriptions provide additional details on
function and methodological aspects of the present disclosure
provided through the architectures and/or systems disclosed above.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example method of the present
disclosure. The method involves providing an immersive shopping
experience for a user. For context, the user is participating in a
ride-sharing service. A vehicle providing the ride-sharing service
is enabled with a vehicle controller and a micro-environment
assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. The immersive
shopping experience and the ride-sharing service are mediated
through a service provider.
[0036] In some embodiments, the method includes a step 202 of
initiating an in-vehicle journey. This can include a user entering
a ride-sharing vehicle in order to be transported from a pickup
location to a destination. The method includes a step 204 of
loading a preference profile for the user from the service
provider. The preference profile could include information gathered
during previous vehicle interactions. In some embodiments, the
method includes a step 206 of determining a shopping experience for
the user. As noted above, this can include tracking browser
activity on a mobile device or wearable connected to the WiFi of
the vehicle, as well as a pickup and/or drop off location. In
another embodiment this can include tracking activity on a vehicle
shopping platform. The method includes a step 208 of determining a
merchant associated with the shopping experience and obtaining an
ambience profile. For example, the user may be searching for shoes
provided by a particular retailer. The service provider can
identify a domain name and product name identified in the browser
activity.
[0037] In some embodiments, the method includes a step 210 of
loading the ambience profile. The loading of the ambience profile
could result in controlling the voice command system of the vehicle
to execute a voice assist protocol to engage with the user. This
can occur as the user is browsing products on the merchant's
website. The method can also include a step 212 of controlling
various components of a micro-environment assembly to provide an
immersive experience that includes combinations of olfactory,
auditory, and/or visual stimuli.
[0038] While shopping, the method can include a step 214 of
collecting data such as browsing history and biometric data for the
user. This feedback is uploaded to the service provider for
analysis and use. For example, the feedback is provided as input
into a machine learning function of the service provider for
ambience profile creation or improvement. The feedback can also be
used to dynamically update an ambience profile or a preference
profile for the user. For example, the user might indicate that the
product being offered is of no interest to the user. This negative
feedback can be used to improve both the ambience profile for the
merchant and the preference profile for the user. In sum, the
method includes a step 216 of updating any of the ambience profile
for the merchant and the preference profile for the user based on
the browsing history or biometric data for the user.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of another example method of the
present disclosure. The method includes a step 302 of obtaining, by
a vehicle controller of a vehicle, a preference profile for a user.
This step can occur when a user enters a vehicle or when the user
requests a ride-sharing service. The user can be linked to his/her
preference profile using any unique identifier such as an email
address. The method further includes a step 304 of loading the
preference profile by the vehicle controller. Next, the method can
include a step 306 of determining a shopping experience of the user
occurring on a vehicle shopping platform within the vehicle. For
example, the user can browse on the vehicle shopping platform or on
his/her mobile device for goods or items. Alternatively, the user
can be presented with an advertising campaign during the ride.
Regardless, the method includes a step 308 of determining an
ambience profile of a merchant identified in the shopping
experience. The method also includes a step 310 of controlling, by
the vehicle controller, an in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle
based on the ambience profile and the preference profile. As noted
above, this includes controlling aspects of a micro-environment
system of the vehicle to produce a unique combination of stimuli.
This could include activating a scent dispensing device that
comprises scents. The scents selected are specified in the ambience
profile. In other embodiments, the step 310 includes controlling an
entertainment or infotainment system of the vehicle to output audio
content to the user.
[0040] According to some embodiments, the step 310 can include
selectively changing at least one of a luminance or a hue of one or
more lights within an interior of the vehicle. In yet other
embodiments, the step 310 can include executing a voice assist
protocol to guide the user during the shopping experience. To be
sure, the voice assist protocol is a part of the ambience
profile.
[0041] FIG. 4 is another flowchart of an example method that can be
used in combination with the method of FIG. 3. The method can
include a step 402 of during the shopping experience, obtaining
biometric feedback from the user from one or more biometric sensors
in a seat of the vehicle. The method can include a step 404 of
transmitting the biometric feedback from the user to a service
provider. The method can also include a step 406 of determining at
least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a comfort level for the user
based on the biometric feedback. It will be understood that mood
and comfort level are inferred states for the user based on the
biometric feedback. For example, heart rate and body temperature
can be indicative of either mood and/or comfort level. Also,
pressure sensors in the seats can detect user movement, which might
also be indicative of mood and/or comfort level.
[0042] According to some embodiments, the method can include a step
408 of updating the user profile with the mood, the heart rate, or
the comfort level for the user. The method can also include a step
410 of transmitting the biometric feedback to the merchant. The
merchant can utilize this biometric feedback (sometimes in
combination with the preference profile) to improve its ambience
profiles and provide an updated ambience profile.
Example Embodiments
[0043] In some instances, the following examples may be implemented
together or separately by the systems and methods described
herein.
[0044] Example 1 may include a method, comprising: obtaining, by a
vehicle controller of a vehicle, a preference profile for a user;
loading the preference profile by the vehicle controller;
determining a shopping experience of the user occurring on a
vehicle shopping platform within the vehicle; determining an
ambience profile of a merchant identified in the shopping
experience; and controlling, by the vehicle controller, an
in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle based on the ambience
profile and the preference profile.
[0045] Example 2 may include the method according to example 1,
wherein controlling, by the vehicle controller, the in-vehicle
ambience within the vehicle based on the ambience profile and the
preference profile further comprises activating a scent dispensing
device that comprises scents.
[0046] Example 3 may include the method according to example 1
and/or some other example herein, wherein controlling, by the
vehicle controller, the in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle
based on the ambience profile and the preference profile further
comprises controlling an entertainment or infotainment system of
the vehicle to output audio content to the user.
[0047] Example 4 may include the method according to example 1
and/or some other example herein, wherein controlling, by the
vehicle controller, the in-vehicle ambience within the vehicle
based on the ambience profile and the preference profile further
comprises selectively changing at least one of a luminance or a hue
of one or more lighting elements within an interior of the
vehicle.
[0048] Example 5 may include the method according to example 1
and/or some other example herein, further comprising executing a
voice assist protocol to guide the user during the shopping
experience, the voice assist protocol being a part of the ambience
profile.
[0049] Example 6 may include the method according to example 1
and/or some other example herein, further comprising: during the
shopping experience, obtaining biometric feedback from the user
from one or more biometric sensors in a seat of the vehicle;
determining at least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a comfort
level for the user based on the biometric feedback; and updating
the user profile with the mood, the heart rate, or the comfort
level for the user.
[0050] Example 7 may include a vehicle, comprising: a
micro-environment assembly configured to selectively adjust an
ambience within a vehicle by providing any combination of one or
more of visual, auditory, or olfactory output; and a vehicle
controller comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: obtain
a preference profile for a user; load the preference profile by the
vehicle controller; determine a shopping experience of the user
occurring on a vehicle shopping platform within the vehicle;
determine an ambience profile of a merchant identified in the
shopping experience; and control the micro-environment assembly to
selectively adjust the ambience within the vehicle based on the
ambience profile and the preference profile to provide the user
with an immersive experience.
[0051] Example 8 may include the vehicle according to example 7,
wherein the micro-environment assembly comprises a scent dispenser
that outputs scented compounds in accordance with at least one of
the ambience profile or the preference profile.
[0052] Example 9 may include the vehicle according to example 7
and/or some other example herein, wherein the vehicle controller is
further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
cause an entertainment or infotainment system of the vehicle to
output audio content to the user in accordance with at least one of
the ambience profile or the preference profile.
[0053] Example 10 may include the vehicle according to example 7
and/or some other example herein, further comprising one or more
lighting elements within an interior of the vehicle, wherein the
vehicle controller is further configured to execute instructions
stored in the memory to selectively change at least one of a
luminance or a hue of the one or more lighting elements in
accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
[0054] Example 11 may include the vehicle according to example 7
and/or some other example herein, further comprising a voice
command system, wherein the vehicle controller is further
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
implement a voice assist protocol on the voice command system to
guide the user during the shopping experience.
[0055] Example 12 may include the vehicle according to example 11
and/or some other example herein, wherein the voice assist protocol
is a part of the ambience profile, the voice assist protocol
comprising an interactive chat feature that provides question and
answer engagement with the user.
[0056] Example 13 may include the vehicle according to example 7
and/or some other example herein, wherein the vehicle controller is
further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
cause a climate control system of the vehicle to increase or
decrease temperature or airspeed within the vehicle.
[0057] Example 14 may include the vehicle according to example 7
and/or some other example herein, further comprising one or more
biometric sensors within a seat of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle
controller is further configured to execute instructions stored in
the memory to: during the shopping experience, obtain biometric
feedback from the user from the one or more biometric sensors;
determine at least one of a mood, a heart rate, or a comfort level
for the user based on the biometric feedback; and update the user
profile with the mood, the heart rate, or the comfort level for the
user.
[0058] Example 15 may include a system, comprising: a service
provider that: generates and maintains preference profiles of
users; and obtains ambience profiles from third-party entities; and
a vehicle comprising: a micro-environment assembly configured to
selectively adjust an ambience within a vehicle by providing any
combination of one or more of visual, auditory, or olfactory
output; and a vehicle controller comprising a processor and a
memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions
stored in the memory to: obtain a preference profile for a user
from the service provider; load the preference profile by the
vehicle controller; determine a shopping experience of the user
occurring on a vehicle shopping platform within the vehicle;
determine an ambience profile of a merchant identified in the
shopping experience; load the ambience profile by the vehicle
controller; and control the micro-environment assembly to
selectively adjust the ambience within the vehicle based on the
ambience profile and the preference profile.
[0059] Example 16 may include the system according to example 15,
further comprising one or more biometric sensors within a seat of
the vehicle, wherein the vehicle controller is further configured
to execute instructions stored in the memory to: during the
shopping experience, obtain biometric feedback from the user from
the one or more biometric sensors; determine at least one of a
mood, a heart rate, or a comfort level for the user based on the
biometric feedback; and update the user profile with the mood, the
heart rate, or the comfort level for the user.
[0060] Example 17 may include the system according to example 15
and/or some other example herein, wherein the micro-environment
assembly comprises a scent dispenser that outputs scented compounds
in accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
[0061] Example 18 may include the system according to example 15
and/or some other example herein, wherein the vehicle controller is
further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
cause an entertainment or infotainment system of the vehicle to
output audio content to the user in accordance with at least one of
the ambience profile or the preference profile.
[0062] Example 19 may include the system according to example 15
and/or some other example herein, further comprising one or more
lighting elements within an interior of the vehicle, wherein the
vehicle controller is further configured to execute instructions
stored in the memory to selectively change at least one of a
luminance or a hue of the one or more lighting elements in
accordance with at least one of the ambience profile or the
preference profile.
[0063] Example 20 may include the system according to example 15
and/or some other example herein, further comprising a voice
command system, wherein the vehicle controller is further
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to
implement a voice assist protocol on the voice command system to
guide the user during the shopping experience.
[0064] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate
specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be
practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be
utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. References in the
specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example
embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may
include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but
every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular
feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are
not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in
connection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will
recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection
with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0065] Implementations of the systems, apparatuses, devices, and
methods disclosed herein may comprise or utilize a special purpose
or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as,
for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed
herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure
may also include physical and other computer-readable media for
carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data
structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media
that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer system. Computer-readable media that stores
computer-executable instructions is computer storage media
(devices). Computer-readable media that carries computer-executable
instructions is transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and
not limitation, implementations of the present disclosure can
comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of
computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and
transmission media.
[0066] Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
CD-ROM, solid state drives (SSDs) (e.g., based on RAM), flash
memory, phase-change memory (PCM), other types of memory, other
optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer.
[0067] An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods
disclosed herein may communicate over a computer network. A
"network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the
transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or
modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is
transferred or provided over a network or another communications
connection (either hardwired, wireless, or any combination of
hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views
the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can
include a network and/or data links, which can be used to carry
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0068] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a
general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special
purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of
functions. The computer-executable instructions may be, for
example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as
assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter
has been described in language specific to structural features
and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to
the described features or acts described above. Rather, the
described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of
implementing the claims.
[0069] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with
many types of computer system configurations, including in-dash
vehicle computers, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop
computers, message processors, handheld devices, multi-processor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones,
PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices,
and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed
system environments where local and remote computer systems, which
are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or
by any combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a
network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment,
program modules may be located in both the local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0070] Further, where appropriate, the functions described herein
can be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware,
digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed
to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described
herein. Certain terms are used throughout the description and
claims refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the
art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different
names. This document does not intend to distinguish between
components that differ in name, but not function.
[0071] It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed
above may comprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any
combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their
functions. For example, a sensor may include computer code
configured to be executed in one or more processors and may include
hardware logic/electrical circuitry controlled by the computer
code. These example devices are provided herein for purposes of
illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of
the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of
devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant
art(s).
[0072] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure have
been directed to computer program products comprising such logic
(e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer-usable
medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing
devices, causes a device to operate as described herein.
[0073] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited
by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for the
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all
of the aforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any
combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of
the present disclosure. For example, any of the functionality
described with respect to a particular device or component may be
performed by another device or component. Further, while specific
device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the
disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics.
Further, although embodiments have been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to
the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain
features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language
is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
* * * * *